Burgess Shale fossil hikes

The Burgess Shale fossils are...

Old – Over 500 million years old, much older than dinosaurs.

Well preserved – Fossils show details of soft tissues, including eyes, guts, and even brains.

Your relatives! – These ancient ocean creatures are part of the evolutionary story that connects to us today.

What is the Burgess Shale?

Over 500 million years ago—long before dinosaurs—this land was submerged by a shallow sea. Today, fossils from that ancient marine world are found high in the mountains, pressed into layers of shale.

These fossils are famous for their exceptional preservation. They reveal fine details like eyes, brains, and internal organs—rare features in the fossil record.

Join a guided hike to one of three Burgess Shale fossil sites in Yoho and Kootenay national parks.

Why take a guided hike to the Burgess Shale?

A guided hike offers more than just a walk in the mountains. Here’s why it’s a must-do experience in the Canadian Rockies:

• Expert guides – Learn from Parks Canada interpreters who share fascinating stories and scientific insights.
• Access to restricted UNESCO sites – Visit Mount Stephen and Walcott Quarry, areas only accessible with a guide.
• Touch ancient fossils – See and hold some of the oldest animal fossils on Earth.
• Safe, fun group environment – Enjoy the hike with others in a supportive setting.
• Behind-the-scenes knowledge – Discover how research protects these fragile ecosystems.
• Spectacular scenery – Experience breathtaking views along the trail.
• A Canadian Rockies must-do – Make this unforgettable adventure part of your trip.

Choose your Burgess Shale adventure:

Walcott Quarry

Visit one of the most important paleontological sites in the world! Delicate soft-bodied fossils show surprising connections to modern sea life. Views and fossils: this hike has it all.

Difficulty: Difficult
Return Distance: 24 km
Elevation Gain: 900 m
Duration: 11 hours
Schedule: 7 am to 6 pm
Meeting Point: Takakkaw falls parking lot, Yoho, BC

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Mount Stephen

Explore everything trilobite. Anatomy, preservation, history and more fossils than you believed possible! Journey through steep terrain on this unforgettable Burgess Shale experience.

Difficulty: Difficult
Return Distance: 8 km
Elevation Gain: 800 m
Duration: 7.5 hours
Schedule: 7 am to 2:30 pm
Meeting Point: Yoho National Park Visitor Centre, Field, B.C.

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Stanley Glacier

Moderate effort, big views! Learn how newly discovered fossils show exciting details in ancient animals. From a third eye to jackknife-like claws: experience the links to modern life.

Difficulty: Moderate
Return Distance: 10 km
Elevation Gain: 365 m
Duration: 7 hours
Schedule: 7:30 am to 2:30 pm
Meeting Point: Stanley Glacier trailhead, Kootenay, BC

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Looking for more guided hikes?

Explore wildlife conservation in Banff National Park on the Consolation Lakes guided hike.

 

Name	Photo	Description
Walcott Quarry Hike - Meeting Point		This classic journey begins at spectacular Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park, British Columbia.
Stanley Glacier Hike - Meeting Point		This family oriented hike is an excellent introduction to the Burgess Shale on a relatively easy trail in Kootenay National Park, British Columbia.
Mount Stephen Hike - Meeting Point		On this short but challenging adventure you will hike through stunning mountain landscapes and explore the remains of an ancient sea.

Discover more about Burgess Shale:

Visit the Royal Ontario Museum Burgess Shale Website
The Burgess Shale Website contains detailed information, images and digital renderings of animals in the fossil gallery. Digital animations in the virtual sea odyssey bring Burgess Shale creatures to life. You will learn about the science of fossils, current research as well as the history of discoveries. This website was created by Parks Canada and the Royal Ontario Museum.

Discover the Burgess Shale Online Exhibit
The Burgess Shale Online Exhibit on Google Arts & Culture provides an easy to understand introduction to the Burgess Shale. It explores the history of the fossil sites in Yoho and Kootenay national parks and the significance of the fossils found there. This is a great starting point for those interested in joining a guided hike or looking for a quick introduction to the Burgess Shale.